TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) TSO Duties, Procedures, and Job Knowledge Syllabus

How are medically necessary liquids handled under TSA rules?

They are exempt from the 3-1-1 limit—allowed in reasonable quantities—but must be declared to an officer and may require additional screening such as trace detection or visual inspection.

What does professional interaction with the traveling public require during screening?

Explaining the screening steps clearly, answering questions respectfully, giving passengers a choice for private screening when applicable, and maintaining composure with frustrated travelers.

What is de-escalation in the TSO context?

Using calm tone, active listening, empathy, and clear explanation to reduce a passenger's anger or anxiety and prevent a situation from escalating into conflict or a security incident.

Name effective de-escalation techniques a TSO can use with an upset passenger.

Stay calm and lower your voice, listen without interrupting, acknowledge the passenger's feelings, explain the reason for the procedure, offer options where possible, and call a supervisor when needed.

What should a TSO do when conflict with a passenger cannot be resolved through de-escalation?

Disengage from arguing, summon a Supervisory TSO, and if there is a threat or refusal that compromises security, notify law enforcement.

What are common signs of a fraudulent or altered identification document?

Mismatched fonts/photos, signs of tampering or lamination peel, incorrect or missing security features (holograms, microprint, UV elements), expired dates, and information inconsistent with the boarding pass.

What security features do TSOs check on a genuine government-issued ID?

Holograms, microprinting, raised/tactile text, UV-reactive features, ghost photos, watermarks, and consistent layout/fonts matching the issuing authority's design.

What should a TSO do if a passenger presents a suspected fraudulent ID?

Not return the document, follow SOP for questionable IDs, and notify a supervisor and/or law enforcement for further verification and potential investigation.

How should a TSO assist a passenger using a wheelchair through screening?

Offer to screen them while seated if they cannot stand or walk through the detector, conduct a pat-down and trace detection of the wheelchair, and explain each step while preserving the passenger's dignity.

How are passengers with medical implants (e.g., pacemakers, metal joints) screened?

They may be screened by AIT or pat-down rather than walk-through metal detector if requested; the implant is resolved through standardized pat-down and/or trace detection, and the passenger may carry documentation.

What accommodation must a TSO offer when a screening procedure may be sensitive (e.g., pat-down)?

The option of a private screening area, with the pat-down conducted by an officer of the same gender and the presence of a witness or companion if the passenger requests.

What does SOP stand for, and why must TSOs follow it exactly?

Standard Operating Procedures—the detailed, mandatory screening rules; strict adherence ensures consistent, effective, and legally defensible screening and closes security gaps.

What is the consequence of deviating from SOP during screening?

It creates security vulnerabilities, can allow threats through, and may result in disciplinary action or removal because consistency is essential to threat detection.

What is the classification of a 'prohibited item'?

Any item not allowed past the checkpoint or in carry-on/checked baggage—such as weapons, explosives, flammables, and other dangerous goods—as defined by TSA's prohibited items list.

Give examples of items prohibited in carry-on bags but allowed in checked baggage.

Most knives, large scissors, tools over 7 inches, and liquids over 3.4 oz; firearms are allowed only in checked bags when unloaded, declared, and in a locked hard-sided case.

What is the first action a TSO takes when a prohibited item (non-threat, e.g., a large bottle) is discovered?

Stop the bag, inform the passenger, and offer disposal or resolution options (return to vehicle, mail, check the bag) per SOP—without alarming others.

What should a TSO do upon discovering a potential weapon or explosive in screening?

Do not handle it unnecessarily; control the area, notify the supervisor immediately, follow SOP for the specific threat, and contact law enforcement and/or the Bomb Appraisal Officer.

What is a Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO)?

A specially trained TSA expert (often with military/EOD background) who assesses suspected explosive devices or alarms at the checkpoint and advises whether to evacuate, contact bomb squad, or clear the item.

When must law enforcement be notified during screening?

When a firearm, explosive, suspected threat object, fraudulent document, criminal act, or a passenger who poses a danger or refuses lawful screening is encountered.

What is the proper response when a firearm is discovered in a carry-on bag?

Do not touch or move it unnecessarily, immediately notify the supervisor and law enforcement (LEO), secure the area, and let LEO take control of the firearm and passenger.

Why is incident reporting and documentation important for a TSO?

It creates an official record for legal, security, and accountability purposes, supports investigations, identifies trends, and ensures consistent follow-up on security events.

What key details should be included in a TSO incident report?

Date, time, location/lane, officers involved, description of the event, items/passengers involved, actions taken, and notifications made (supervisor, LEO, BAO).

What is the difference between primary and secondary screening?

Primary screening is the initial standard screening (X-ray, metal detector/AIT) every passenger undergoes; secondary screening is additional targeted screening (pat-down, bag check, ETD) when primary cannot clear a person or item.

What is the 'sterile area' (secure side) of an airport?

The area beyond the screening checkpoint where only screened passengers and authorized persons may enter, leading to the boarding gates.

What does TSA PreCheck change about the standard screening flow?

Eligible, vetted passengers receive expedited screening—generally keeping on shoes, belts, light jackets, and leaving laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in the bag—reducing divestiture steps.

What should a TSO do if an X-ray image is unclear or shows an unidentifiable object?

Not clear the bag; pull it for a physical bag search, possibly run ETD, and resolve the object's identity before allowing it through, calling a supervisor if needed.

What is the TSO's obligation regarding impartiality and non-discrimination?

Screening decisions must be based on objective security criteria and SOP—never on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or national origin—ensuring all passengers are treated equally.

How should a TSO handle a passenger wearing religious or cultural head covering?

Allow them to keep it on; if it alarms or cannot be cleared, offer additional screening such as a pat-down of the head covering, with the option of private screening by a same-gender officer.

What is the proper TSO response to discovering illegal drugs during screening?

TSA's role is security, not drug enforcement, but officers must follow SOP to refer the matter to law enforcement, who decide on any criminal action.

Who has overall authority at a screening checkpoint, and to whom does a TSO escalate problems?

The Supervisory TSO (STSO) oversees the checkpoint; TSOs escalate alarms they cannot resolve, conflicts, suspected threats, and policy questions to the STSO, who may involve the Transportation Security Manager or LEO.

What does 'unpredictability' (random screening) add to TSA security?

Randomly selecting passengers/items for additional screening (e.g., ETD, pat-downs) regardless of profile, making it harder for adversaries to predict and defeat security measures.